About Molecules Matter
The resources included in Molecules Matter enable students to look at and discuss critically a video programme and newspaper articles on the role of chemicals in our daily lives. They are encouraged to examine and debate the use of chemicals in the modern world.
Photo: Pigment manufacture
Through the window of the chemical industry, they are encouraged to become active and informed citizens by looking at how we acquire and interpret information on important everyday issues, and to consider the wider implications of political, economic, environmental and social decisions.
Underlying the content of Molecules Matter are two assumptions:
- that some chemical companies conduct activities that are capable of both benefiting and harming human kind on a world scale
- that the effects of a decision made with the needs of our local communities in mind may be felt by people thousands of miles away
Students are encouraged to consider both the positive and negative aspects of the use of chemicals in contemporary society.
Curriculum Links
Molecules Matters is intended to support the teaching and learning of:
- Science
- Citizenship (England and Scotland)
- PSE (Wales)
- Social and Environmental Studies (Northern Ireland)
- General Studies
Available for free download and use:
- Thought-provoking video (run time approximately 6 minutes)
- Notes for teachers
- Lesson plans
- Links to relevant news stories
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